As someone who’s flown on more than 70 regional airlines over the past two decades, I’ve learned to spot the difference between a marketing slogan and a genuinely smooth ride. Porter Airlines, a Canadian regional carrier that often flies under the radar, has been carving out a niche with its promise of upscale service on short-haul routes. But does it actually deliver a superior experience, or is it just good branding?
I’ve flown with Porter more than a dozen times across its various routes, including Toronto to Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax, and Boston. I’ve flown both pre-pandemic and post-2023 expansion phases, including on their newly added Embraer E195-E2 jets. In this review, I’ll give you a comprehensive, honest breakdown based on experience, objective data, and real passenger feedback.
What Is Porter Airlines Known For?
Porter Airlines is known for offering premium service on regional routes in Canada and the northeastern United States.
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
- Primary hub: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
- Fleet size: Over 45 aircraft, including De Havilland Dash 8-400 and Embraer E195-E2
- Founded: 2006
- Route focus: Short-haul and medium-haul North American destinations
Porter has differentiated itself by operating out of Billy Bishop, a downtown Toronto airport, making it highly convenient for business travelers. It markets itself with phrases like “flying refined,” and the experience largely reflects this intent, at least for flights under 2.5 hours.
How Comfortable Is the Porter Airlines Cabin Experience?
Porter’s cabin comfort is where it stands out compared to typical regional carriers.
Dash 8-400 (Turboprop)
- Seating: 2-2 configuration, no middle seats
- Seat pitch: 32 inches (above regional average)
- Seat width: ~17 inches
- Noise: Noticeable propeller sound, especially at rear
Embraer E195-E2 (Jet)
- Seating: 2-2 configuration
- Seat pitch: 30–34 inches depending on row
- Seat type: All-economy with no first-class cabin
- Cabin pressure and lighting: Modern, quiet, comfortable
I personally find the E195-E2 to be a significant upgrade in comfort, especially on flights longer than 90 minutes. The noise is lower, cabin altitude is optimized, and seats feel new and ergonomic.
Free Amenities
- Snacks: Complimentary premium snacks like almonds or Terra chips
- Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine served in glassware
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi on the E195-E2 fleet (as of Q1 2024)
- No IFE screens: No seatback screens, but most people stream on their own devices
Verdict: For a regional airline, Porter’s cabin offers a premium economy feel without charging business-class prices.
Is Porter Airlines Punctual and Reliable?
On-Time Performance
- 2023 OTP rate: 82.1% (Source: Cirium Global Airline Rankings)
- Average delay: 13–18 minutes on high-traffic routes
Cancellation Rates
- Below 2% annually, based on Transport Canada data
From my experience, Porter is impressively punctual, particularly for flights operating from Billy Bishop, where traffic congestion is minimal. That said, weather can affect flights on the Dash 8s more than on larger jets due to their size.
Maintenance Reliability
Porter maintains a strong safety and maintenance record. The airline operates a lean but meticulously serviced fleet, with no major incidents reported since launch.
How Does Porter Airlines Fare on Customer Service?
Porter’s service is where it tries, and mostly succeeds, in differentiating itself.
- Staff demeanor: Uniformly courteous, even on short 50-minute hops
- Check-in: Efficient both online and at Billy Bishop
- Boarding: No zone chaos; boarding is sequential and calm
- In-flight service: Drinks served promptly, staff available and attentive
Porter staff often seem better trained than many low-cost carriers in North America. I’ve noticed flight attendants walk the aisle more frequently than on equivalent WestJet or Air Canada Express flights.
What Are the Baggage Rules and Fees?
Here’s where some passengers get tripped up. Porter’s fares appear competitive, but they follow a low-cost model when it comes to luggage.
| Fare Type | Carry-On | Checked Bag | Change Fee |
| Basic | $0 | $0 | No changes |
| Standard | $0 | $34–$42 | $100 |
| Flexible | Free | Free (1 pc) | Free |
| Freedom | Free | Free (2 pc) | Free |
- Carry-on fee: $25–$30 per segment for Basic fares
- Checked bag: Starts at $34.50 (CAD) if not included
- Oversize fee: $105+ depending on route
Expert tip: If you’re carrying a roller bag, upgrade to Flexible or Freedom, it saves money over paying for bags individually.
How Does Porter’s Pricing Compare to Competitors?
Porter positions itself between low-cost carriers and full-service airlines.
Sample Fare Comparison (Toronto–Montreal, one-way)
| Airline | Base Fare | Bags Included | Total w/1 Bag |
| Porter | $99 | No | $134 |
| Air Canada | $109 | No | $144 |
| WestJet | $89 | No | $129 |
Porter’s prices are competitive but not always the cheapest. However, the free Wi-Fi, lounge-style airport experience, and complimentary drinks give it a better value proposition than a no-frills fare with others.
How Convenient Are Porter’s Airports and Routes?
Key Airports
- Billy Bishop (YTZ): Central Toronto island airport, 3 minutes from downtown by tunnel
- Ottawa (YOW), Halifax (YHZ), Montreal (YUL), Boston (BOS)
Routes
- Over 30 destinations across Canada and the U.S.
- Expansion plans include western Canada and sun destinations in the U.S.
Using Billy Bishop is an enormous time-saver. No long security lines, no shuttle buses. Most flights from YTZ also board quickly thanks to the compact terminal layout.
What Aircraft Does Porter Airlines Operate?
Porter operates two core aircraft types.
| Aircraft | Seats | Range | Notable Feature |
| Dash 8-400 | $78 | 2,000 km | Quiet, short runway capable |
| Embraer E195-E2 | $132 | 4,800 km | Free Wi-Fi, low emissions |
Porter was launch customer in North America for the E195-E2, a new-generation jet that is 75% quieter and 16% more fuel efficient than previous models. I’ve flown on these jets multiple times, cabin noise is noticeably lower and lighting is cleaner.
Who Should Fly Porter Airlines?
Porter is well-suited for:
- Business travelers: Thanks to downtown Toronto access and quick boarding
- Short-haul flyers: Sub-2 hour flights are where Porter excels
- Leisure travelers: If you’re flying from Toronto to Eastern Canada or U.S. cities
It may not be ideal for:
- Long-haul travelers: No lie-flat seats or in-seat IFE
- Budget-only flyers: Basic fare is restrictive on baggage
What Are Common Complaints About Porter Airlines?
Frequent complaints include:
- Baggage fees confusion
- Limited west coast routes
- Dash 8 aircraft noise on longer flights
Less common but reported:
- Occasional delays in winter weather
- No power outlets on Dash 8 aircraft
In my experience, complaints are more often about expectations than service failures. Porter sets a boutique tone but operates within regional constraints.
Is Porter Airlines Worth Booking in 2025?
Yes, Porter is one of the best-value regional airlines in North America in 2025.
Pros:
- Free premium snacks and alcohol
- Excellent service and clean cabins
- Free Wi-Fi on new jets
- Convenient downtown Toronto access
Cons:
- Confusing fare classes and baggage pricing
- Limited westward expansion (as of Q2 2025)
- No in-seat screens
If you’re flying anywhere east of Winnipeg or into the U.S. northeast, Porter should be strongly considered, especially if Billy Bishop is convenient for you. It’s not flawless, but it outperforms most regional competitors by a margin that frequent flyers like me notice immediately.
Porter Airlines vs Air Canada vs WestJet: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Porter | Air Canada | WestJet |
| Price (base fare) | $$ | $$$ | $ |
| Cabin comfort | Above average | Average | Average |
| Service | Personalized | Mixed | Casual |
| On-time record | Strong (82.1%) | Average | Below average |
| Wi-Fi availability | Free (jets only) | Paid (most) | Limited |
| Snacks/drinks | Free premium | Basic or paid | Paid |
My take: Porter wins on short-haul experience. Air Canada is better for long-haul and connections. WestJet offers savings but fewer perks.
Expert Tips for Flying Porter Airlines
- Avoid Basic fare unless you’re traveling ultra-light
- Use Billy Bishop for ultra-fast boarding and deplaning
- Select Row 1 or Exit Row for more legroom on both Dash 8 and E195
- Book early on popular holiday weekends, Porter flights fill up fast
Real Passenger Reviews and Ratings
Based on over 15,000 combined reviews from Google, TripAdvisor, and Skytrax:
| Source | Average Rating | Top Positives | Top Negatives |
| Google Reviews | 4.2/5 | Clean planes, free drinks | Extra baggage fees |
| TripAdvisor | 4.0/5 | Quiet airport, fast check-in | Confusing fare options |
| Skytrax | 7.5/10 | Staff service, comfort | No power outlets on Dash 8 |
Many reviews praise the calm boarding process and complimentary alcohol, while some express frustration with bag fees and Dash 8 cabin noise.
Final Verdict: Would I Recommend Porter Airlines?
Yes, I recommend Porter Airlines, especially for regional travelers who value comfort without paying business-class prices.
After flying with them on over a dozen routes, I can confidently say Porter delivers more than most expect. The free Wi-Fi, complimentary alcohol, and quiet, well-kept aircraft create a premium feel, particularly on the new Embraer E195-E2 jets. The staff are among the most courteous I’ve encountered on regional flights, and the Billy Bishop Airport experience is unmatched in convenience.